It's never too late to ring in the bells of war is it?

The threat of war in the east is eliminated after a successful, but costly embassy across inhospitable terrain. But just as Casimir FitzDuncan begins to contemplate a less martial existence, Fenwick intrudes, with an urgent assignment from the king.

There are rumors that Aquileia's ages-old enemy, the Rhetian Empire, is beating the drums of war. To find out, the two must venture deep into hostile territory, with no hope of support. Days into this quest - they are captured and detained.

Now the time is ticking down and escape is the only option if they hope to provide the warning that the rumors are true--the enemy is advancing upon them-all the while knowing that success will throw them both into the maw of a violent clash, the likes of which have not been seen for over a hundred years.

Peril seems to wait for them in every shadow.

Will they reach Aquileia in time to warn the king? Will Aquileia withstand the snapping blood-stained jaws of war?